1983 SAM Dental Clinic · Sedation dentistry

Sedation dentistry ("sleep dentistry") in Hannam-dong, Seoul — how it works at 1983 SAM Dental Clinic

1983 SAM Dental Clinic · Updated 2026-10-12

Sedation dentistry (often called "sleep dentistry" in Korea) means dental treatment under conscious sedation — a lowered level of awareness in which you keep breathing on your own. At 1983 SAM Dental Clinic in Hannam-dong, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon with training in dental anesthesiology selects the sedative for each patient after a pre-treatment assessment and controls the depth with TCI (target-controlled infusion).

Conscious sedation lets you receive dental treatment in a lowered state of awareness while you keep breathing on your own. At 1983 SAM Dental Clinic in Hannam-dong (Yongsan-gu, Seoul), sedation is planned by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon trained in dental anesthesiology, with the sedative chosen per patient and delivered by TCI (target-controlled infusion).

What is conscious sedation?

Conscious sedation uses sedative medication to lower your level of awareness during dental treatment. Unlike general anesthesia, you keep breathing on your own and keep basic responses. The aim is to reduce anxiety, fear and the memory of discomfort during treatment.

In Korea this is commonly called "sleep dentistry" (수면치료) or "sleep anesthesia" (수면마취), but it is not the same as general anesthesia.

It is mainly used for long or demanding procedures — such as wisdom tooth extraction and dental implants — and for patients with strong dental fear.

Safety measures at the clinic

  • Sedation is provided by Dr. Seunghyun Lee, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon who studied dental anesthesiology at Seoul National University School of Dentistry (master's degree; doctoral coursework completed) and completed a fellowship in dental anesthesiology at Seoul National University (2018–2020).
  • Dr. Lee holds instructor qualifications for BLS, ACLS and DALS (Korean Association of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation), and all staff have completed BLS (basic life support) training.
  • The clinic does not use a single sedative for everyone — the medication is chosen after a pre-treatment assessment of each patient.
  • Sedation depth is controlled with TCI (target-controlled infusion) equipment.

What happens on the day

  1. 1

    Pre-treatment assessment

    Your general health, current medications and level of dental anxiety are reviewed to decide whether sedation is suitable and which medication to use.

  2. 2

    Sedation

    Sedation is induced to the planned level while vital signs are monitored.

  3. 3

    Dental treatment

    The planned treatment (for example an extraction or implant surgery) is carried out.

  4. 4

    Recovery and going home

    You rest in the recovery room until your awareness and vital signs are stable, then receive after-care instructions.

Frequently asked questions

Q. What should I check when looking for a sedation dentist in Hannam-dong?
A. Check that the clinic (1) reviews your general health, medications and medical history before sedation, (2) controls sedation depth and continuously monitors oxygen saturation and vital signs, (3) has emergency equipment and procedures, and (4) explains escort and after-care rules. Sedation is not general anesthesia, and it is not suitable for everyone, so a pre-treatment assessment is needed.
Q. Is "sleep dentistry" the same as general anesthesia?
A. No. Conscious sedation is a lighter state in which you keep breathing on your own, and recovery is usually faster than after general anesthesia. Which method suits you depends on your health, so it is decided after assessment.
Q. Can I drive home after sedation?
A. Driving on the same day is not recommended because judgment and reflexes can be temporarily reduced. Please come with a companion.
Q. How is the cost of sedation decided?
A. It depends on the treatment being done, how long it takes and the sedation plan for your case, so the clinic explains it after the consultation and examination. Please ask during your consultation.
Q. How do I book?
A. Call +82-2-793-0455 or book through Naver Booking. The clinic is at 2F, 65-3 Dokseodang-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul (Hannam-dong).

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